Lewis Hamilton: Departing Mercedes Driver Explains Why He Refused To Sign Fan’s Helmet

• Lewis Hamilton flatly refused to sign a replica helmet from a fan at the end of the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23
• In a 2023 interview, the record Formula 1 champion explained why he doesn't sign or easily give away helmets
• The Mercedes driver finished third in Spain before finishing fourth in Austria in his final season with the Silver Arrows

Lewis Hamilton amused fans when he appeared to refuse to sign a helmet from a fan after the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.

Hamilton finished inside the podium places for the first time in over a year. He finished behind the winner and defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull and McLaren's Lando Norris.

The Mercedes driver was treated to a warm reception by his fellow winners and fans alike on his return to the podium. It was a record-extending 198th time the Brit had finished on the rostrum, as captured by Formula 1's website.

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Hamilton signed a couple of autographs for the enthusiastic fans on the grid. However, he flatly refused to sign a replica of his helmet with a shake of the head.

A fan online, @Sim asked,

"Someone tell me what was on that helmet that he refused to sign it?"

Why Lewis Hamilton doesn't sign helmets

Fans came up with a lot of theories on why the seven-time champion refused to sign the helmet. As it turns out, the soon-to-be Ferrari driver actually explained why he doesn't sign helmets in a previous interview with GQ.

"The only thing I refuse to sign would be a helmet. I take a lot of pride in my helmets – that’s my jersey."

The 39-year-old is so protective of helmets that he rarely gives them out as well.

"I might have given two helmets away to like my boss and a really dear friend who’s passed away now. Those are part of my heritage."

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Hamilton finished fourth in the Austrian Grand Prix on June 30. His teammate George Russell won the race, with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz taking the other podium places.

Most challenging Formula 1 tracks for overtaking

Sports Brief has previously compiled a list of Formula 1 tracks with the fewest overtaking opportunities.

Notable tracks on the list include Circuit de Monaco and the Hungaroing in Hungary, among others.